(Derek Lyons) wrote in message ...
Ruediger Klaehn wrote:

The barrier of entry for such a price would be very low, as demonstrated by
the wooden heat shields on some chinese capsules.

Hmm... No.

Unless the Chinese are doing something *very* different from others in
the past, the wood is carefully chosen (no knots!), carefully formed,
and carefully prepared to meet specific density and performance
characteristics.

Not particularly easy, nor likely much cheaper than other methods.

D.

You're such a killjoy Derek. Jeesh

I think it's a great idea, although I have some serious doubts about
any NASA-led selection process for 'finalists.'

Tom Merkle